Estimate the value of ∆Ho for the following reaction from bond energies (Table 9.5).
H2(g) + Cl2(g) → 2HCl(g).
Is the reaction exothermic or endothermic? Note that the reaction involves the breaking of symmetrical molecules (H2 and Cl2) and the formation of a less symmetrical product (HCl). From this, would you expect ∆So to be positive or negative? Comment on the spontaneity of the reaction in terms of the changes in enthalpy and entropy.